Madaripur is known for its rich history, welcoming people, and most importantly, its mouth-watering sweets. Among them, one stands above the rest — Kheerpuri. This particular sweet has become a symbol of Madaripur, drawing visitors from all over Bangladesh. No trip to the town is complete without tasting it, and no one leaves the town without taking some home for their loved ones.

Photo: Jawwad Sami Neogi

Among the many sweet shops in Madaripur, one name stands out: Jibon Mistanno Bhandar. This legendary shop has been serving sweets for almost 80 years. Located at Old Court, it is a must-visit place for anyone with a love for sweets. Their Kheerpuri is the most popular, but their Roshogolla, Roshmalai, and Chhanar Jilapi are equally loved by the locals.

The story of Jibon Mistanno Bhandar began in the 1930s when the man behind the venture, Jibon Mondal opened the shop. He started with just Roshogolla, but as time passed, Kheerpuri became the shop's signature sweet. Later, his son Kanai Mondal took charge and continued the tradition. Now, Jibon's grandson Akash Mondal is running the shop as the third generation. The shop, once small and simple, has now become a well-known spot in Madaripur, attracting both locals and visitors.

"Kheerpuri is made with fresh milk brought from our village every day," Mondal shares as he explains the procedure. First, kheer (thickened milk) is prepared with slow heat and simmered for hours until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency. Then, this smooth, creamy kheer is brought to room temperature and carefully poured over a layer of chhana. The result is a perfectly balanced, mildly sweet delight that tastes just right. Every day, the shop sells about 20 to 30 kgs of Kheerpuri. Each piece costs Tk 30, and one kg is Tk 650.

But what makes Jibon Mistanno Bhandar's Kheerpuri so special? According to Mondal, the secret lies in the quality of the ingredients and the traditional cooking process. "Every single day, the milk used is sourced from our own village, and we follow the same method my grandfather used decades ago. That's why our Kheerpuri tastes the same today as it did years ago," Mondal explains.

While Kheerpuri is the most famous, it is not the only star at their shop. Sourov, one of the employees, proudly shares, "Our Roshogolla is very popular too. And many people love our Chhanar Jilapi."

My friend and I had the opportunity to taste their sweets. We started with the roshogolla — it was warm, soft, and simply melted in our mouths. Then, we tried the chhanar jilapi, which was equally delicious, with a caramelised outer layer, and a soft, juicy inside. The sweetness was perfectly balanced — not overpowering at all.

But when we tasted the kheerpuri, it was magic! The creamy texture and the right amount of sweetness made us fall in love with it instantly. It was neither too sweet nor too heavy — just the perfect balance of taste and texture. Before leaving, we bought a box of kheerpuri to take home, confident that our families would love it just as much as we did.

Jibon Mistanno Bhandar opens its doors at 7 AM and stays open until 10 PM. Throughout the day, locals and visitors come to enjoy their favourite sweets. Whether it's a festival, a family gathering, or just a regular day, people of Madaripur love visiting this shop to satisfy their sweet cravings. Regular local customers, some of whom have been visiting for decades, express that the sweets bring back childhood memories.

Jibon Mistanno Bhandar is more than just a sweet shop — it is a part of Madaripur's identity. Its legacy of quality and taste has been passed down for three generations, making it a symbol of tradition. If you ever visit Madaripur, don't forget to stop by and taste the famous Kheerpuri. You'll surely take some home, just like we did!